No Matter the Name, Spurs Win Division

The San Antonio Spurs won the Southwest Division for the first time.

After winning the Midwest Division three times in the last four seasons, the Spurs won the Southwest in the NBA’s first season of realignment, clinching it with a 95-89 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night at San Antonio.

Manu Ginobili scored 30 points in 34 minutes and Nazr Mohammed had 14 rebounds -- 12 in the first half -- for the Spurs, who had won their previous two games in double overtime, a first in NBA history.

“Great first step,� said Ginobili, who scored 40 points in the double-overtime victory Saturday against the Clippers but didn’t play in Sunday’s double-overtime win against Golden State because of a stomach virus. “The last three games were huge for us. Three tough games, and we got some wins and at least spot No. 2 [in the Western Conference standings], which is a big advantage.�

Boston 105, Philadelphia 98 -- Paul Pierce scored 27 points, including the go-ahead basket in the final minute at Philadelphia, and the Celtics moved closer to clinching the Atlantic Division title. The 76ers fell three games behind Boston with five games remaining.

Phoenix 99, New Orleans 85 -- Amare Stoudemire scored 27 points for the Suns at Phoenix.

Shawn Marion had 18 points and 17 rebounds for the Suns, who have 59 victories, their second-best total in franchise history.

Toronto 105, New York 93 -- Rafer Alston banked in a three-point shot to start a 13-0 run midway through the fourth quarter at New York, and the Raptors sent the Knicks to their 10th loss in 11 games.